WEEK : LECTURE: 3 RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS ACUTE BRONCHITIS CLASSIFICATIONS: Sudden onset of inflammation in the bronchi - the major airways of the lungs Short lived with a sudden onset Can affect males and females of all ages and ethnic backgrounds More common during winter, especially during flu outbreaks Individuals more risk include: Weakened immune systems, including children in the elderly Non-immunised for the flu, pneumonia and whooping cough Other diseases such as chronic bronchitis asthma Temporary and does not usually cause any permanent difficulty with breathing Symptoms include Runny or stuffy nose which starts a few days before chest congestion Coughing up phlegm/mucus that maybe yellow or green in colour Feeling tired or fatigued Sore chest from long periods of coughing Wheezing or whistling sound when breathing Not being able to be as active as normal CAUSES: Most commonly from viral infections Contagious Less commonly caused by environmental factors such as smoke, chemical fuels and air- pollution Sometimes a bacterial infection as well as other diseases such as chronic bronchitis or asthma causative factors It usually starts with an infection in the nose or throat which then travels to the bronchial tubes The inflammation in response to the infection causes the oedema and consequently cough MANAGEMENT: Medications Pulmonary rehabilitation BRONCHITIS Trachea Bronchi Inflammation Bronchitis Normal Lungs Inflammation Mucus